Man fatally shot by Royal Oak police fleeing traffic stop

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WJBK) - For the second time in two days in Oakland County, police have been involved in a shooting that ended in a death. 

Police in Royal Oak were involved in the shooting Tuesday evening near the White Castle at 13 Mile and Coolidge. 

Police Chief Corrigan O'Donohue says it all began around 6 p.m. when one of his officers initiated a traffic stop on the man driving a black BMW.

"The driver in that vehicle fled from the traffic stop and the officers lost him in traffic," said O'Donohue. "About 15 minutes later the officer observed that same vehicle and driver in the drive through at the White Castle. The officer approached the driver at that point, and our officer shot at the driver." 

"We just heard four or five gunshots and the guy sped away," said a witness, who did not wish to be identified. 

The driver then headed east on 13 Mile. Witnesses saw him swerving in and out of his lane before colliding into a minivan.

"It sort of seemed like he passed out at the wheel," said the witness. "And he just coasted into oncoming traffic."

Police say the woman driving the Honda minivan was taken to Beaumont Hospital with minor injuries. The BMW driver was also taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Police have identified the man as 28-year-old Antonino Gordon of Commerce Township. 

Royal Oak Police say Gordon has had numerous contacts with law enforcement, including multiple arrests for Operating While Intoxicating (OWI) and disorderly conduct. At the time of this incident, police Gordon had a criminal bench warrant for his arrest with a bond of $75,000.

Royal Oak Police still have not yet said what happened in the moments leading up to Gordon's shooting. It's not known if he had a weapon, or if he made some sort of threat to officers. 

O'Donohue says the driver hit a patrol car and another vehicle upon leaving the White Castle, but it's unclear if that was before or after the shooting.

"We want to just trust the investigation; it will be a thorough investigation," O'Donohue said.

The Oakland County Sherriff’s Office will handle the investigation. 

The officer involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. 

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 2 for updates. 

Troy Police were involved in a fatal shooting early Monday morning, in which they said a man armed with knives was running towards the officers.